Review: Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Ever since I underwent an intense acne treatment in my early 20’s, my oily skin has now transformed into combination type. My cheeks and corners of my lips get very dry during winter, and nose and forehead continue to remain oily. I also have begun to suffer from breakouts around my jawline in the recent past, and my skin woes seem to be on a continuous rise.

A good friend and fellow blogger Chandni Lahoti recently introduced me to Murad Skincare – a brand that has been pioneered by Dr. Howard Murad based on years of scientific research. The brand team was kind enough to send across the Clarifying Cleanser from its Acne Relief range for my skin type and since I had heard and read raving reviews of the same, I wasted no time in trying it out.

My Experience:

The Murad Clarifying Cleanser contains essential oils that have antibacterial properties. In addition to the lemon, orange, and lime oils, this cleanser also contains menthol.

To use, I began by wetting my face with a splash of warm water. Then, sqeezing a pea sized amount on my palm, I worked it into a lather and gently massaged the facewash onto my face.

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

The Clarifying Cleanser smells nothing like those pleasant floral or fruity mass products. The presence of orange and lime oils gives it a distinct citrus peel odor.
If you can be patient with the smell, and the mildly irritating menthol – this product acts like a wonder!

Once massaged well and washed off with warm water, it appears to instantly wake up the skin and makes it look visibly brighter. My skin does feel a bit dry and stretchy post use, but its much lesser than most of the other oily skin/anti-acne products that I have used. Having combination skin does have its pitfalls, I guess. What is excellent to cleanse the oily T-Zone, does have a drying effect on the cheek and lip area. However, I have always been dilligent with my post wash moisturizing routine, and so the dryness is not much of a concern for me.

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

The Results:

I have been using the Murad Clarifying Cleanser at night for a few weeks now, followed by my favorite night cream. What I love about this product is that I always wake up to glowing skin in the morning after.

My breakouts too have reduced to quite an extent, and I would love to continue using it for a few more weeks to see if it also prevents pimples from recurring.

Summary:

The Murad Clarifying Cleanser is a wonderful product for acne prone skin. The smell can put you off for a bit, but the absence of artificial fragrances also means that it may suit those with sensitive skin. I love how it brightens my skin and keeps it that way for a long time!

Would I buy it again?

Priced at AED 160 for a 200 ml bottle, the Murad Clarifying Cleanser is more expensive than most of the mass brands out there. But for this specialized product that doesn’t dry my skin, brightens my face and cures acne – a small premium is worth paying.

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

About Murad Skincare:

The Murad skin care collection was released in 1989 when board-certified dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad decided to begin developing formulas to help his patients and people everywhere take better care of their skin at home. His eponymous skin care collection was the first doctor-formulated line of dermatological products the world had ever seen, and soon, dermatologists from all over began recommending his products to their patients. Quickly, Murad grew to become one of the most well-known brands in the world and has built a reputation for offering scientifically advanced, safe products for both men and women.